Google recently finished a major update to how websites show up in search results. This update, called the June 2025 Core Update, started on June 30 and ended on July 17. If you’ve noticed changes in how people are finding your business online, this update might be the reason.
What Is a Core Update?
Think of a core update like Google doing a cleanup. The goal is to improve search results by showing the most helpful, trustworthy, and up-to-date information. Google reviews websites across the internet and adjusts how it ranks them so users can get better answers when they search.
This type of update is not about punishing websites or targeting specific businesses. It’s about making sure people find quality content that meets their needs. And it affects all kinds of websites, no matter what industry you’re in.
How Is It Different from a Spam Update?
It’s easy to confuse core updates with spam updates, but they’re not the same thing.
- A core update is a general improvement to Google’s ranking system. It looks at the big picture and aims to reward websites that are doing things the right way.
- A spam update focuses on websites that are breaking the rules. These updates go after sites using tricks like keyword stuffing or fake links to try to cheat their way to the top.
If you’re running a clean, honest website, core updates are nothing to fear. They’re just a reminder to stay focused on quality.
What You Might Notice
After a core update, your website’s performance in Google search results might change. Here are a few things to watch for:
- Are you getting more or fewer visitors to your website?
- Have your phone calls or online messages slowed down or picked up?
- Did your site move up or down in search rankings
Even if you haven’t made any changes to your website, shifts like these are common after a core update.
What You Can Do
You don’t have to be a web expert to improve your site’s visibility. Here are a few simple tips our web designers recommend implementing:
- Keep your content helpful and clear: Make sure your website answers the kinds of questions your customers are asking. Include helpful details about your services, pricing, hours, and what makes your business special.
- Avoid shortcuts or outdated tricks: Trying to cheat the system with keyword stuffing or hidden text can hurt your site more than help it.
- Update regularly: Add fresh content, keep your information current, and make sure your site works well on phones and computers
What to Expect Moving Forward
Google makes updates like this several times a year. Some websites see changes right away, while others see slower shifts over time. The best thing you can do is focus on creating a website that serves your customers well.
We make websites that work and offer local SEO strategies to help small businesses grow online. If you’re not sure how your website is doing or where to start, our digital marketing agency offers solutions that can withstand the changing algorithms of Google.
Have you noticed a dip in traffic? Contact our team for a free audit of your website’s visibility.
